The European Commission is proposing that Slovakia and Hungary use the Adriatic pipeline (JANAF) in Croatia to compensate for the loss of Russian oil supplies.
This suggestion follows the halting of Lukoil deliveries via the Druzhba pipeline, after a ban imposed by the Ukrainian authorities in July.
The proposal aims to diversify supply sources in the face of European sanctions against Russia.
However, Slovakia and Hungary have serious reservations.
Both countries believe that transit costs via Croatia would be too high.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto criticizes Croatia’s reliability as a transit country.
He points to a five-fold increase in oil transit tariffs since the start of the war in Ukraine, making the option proposed by the European Commission economically unviable.
Reactions and concerns
Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar also expresses doubts about the Croatian proposal.
He points to the lack of clarity over the costs and transport capacities offered by Croatia.
Blanar calls on the European Commission to intervene with Ukraine to restore Russian oil flows, while exploring alternative solutions should the Commission fail to act.
This opposition highlights the challenges Europe faces in diversifying its sources of energy supply.
Slovakia and Hungary insist on a coordinated EU response to guarantee their energy security, reducing dependence on potentially costly alternative routes.
Capacities and investments in question
Hungarian Minister Szijjarto criticizes Croatia’s lack of investment in transit capacity.
He questions the figures provided by Croatia concerning the pipeline’s maximum capacity.
For its part, the Croatian company Janaf rejects these accusations.
Janaf claims to have continually invested in its transport and storage system, and to have tested its transport capacity to Hungary with MOL, proving that it can transport 1.2 million tonnes of crude oil per month.
Janaf also points out that it has not increased its tariffs over the last three years.
The company declares itself ready, both technically and organizationally, to supply Central European refineries with sufficient quantities of oil to operate at full capacity.
Janaf hopes to find a satisfactory solution through open discussions and long-term cooperation.
Outlook and alternative solutions
Slovakia’s and Hungary’s opposition to the European Commission’s proposal underlines the complexity of diversifying energy supply sources.
In-depth feasibility studies are needed to assess the logistical capacities, costs and environmental impacts of this new route.
Pending clarification, the European Commission must play a central role in facilitating negotiations and coordinating efforts to diversify sources of supply.
An integrated European energy strategy, taking into account the new geopolitical realities, is essential to ensure the continent’s resilience in the face of future disruptions.
